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South Africa Fields Eight Players Aged Over 30 In A Test Match For First Time In 102 Years
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News18•19-10-2026, 07:40
South Africa Fields Eight Players Aged Over 30 In A Test Match For First Time In 102 Years
- •South Africa included eight players aged 30 or older in their playing XI for the second Test against Australia in Gqeberha.
- •This is the first time since 1924 that South Africa has fielded a Test team with eight players over the age of 30.
- •Australia went a step further by fielding an entire playing XI consisting exclusively of players aged 30 and above.
- •A total of 19 players aged 30-plus are participating in this Test match, marking a rare milestone in cricket history.
Key Questions Answered
For the first time in 102 years, South Africa is playing a Test match with eight players aged 30 or older in their starting XI, a milestone last reached in 1924.
Australia has fielded a playing XI where every single player is aged 30 or older, featuring no cricketers in their 20s.
Fast-bowling all-rounder Marco Jansen is the youngest at 26 years old, while spinner Simon Harmer is the oldest at 37.
